
Tmol Shilshom
A beloved Jerusalem cafe set in a 19th-century building, combining books, art, and a cozy atmosphere with delicious food.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Tmol Shilshom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Jerusalem cafe set in a 19th-century building, combining books, art, and a cozy atmosphere with delicious food.
"A pearl in the heart of Jerusalem, with an immaculate vibe and excellent service."
Finding the Entrance
Finding the entrance can be tricky; look for the back courtyard around Yoel Moshe Solomon Street.
Book in Advance
Book your table in advance to ensure availability at this popular spot.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Israeli Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+972 2-623-2758
Address
בחצר קומה שנייה, Yo'el Moshe Salomon St 5, Jerusalem, Israel
Website
tmol-shilshom.co.il/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Literary Bookstore Ambiance
Step into a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a bookstore or library, filled with books and vintage charm.

Jerusalem Shakshuka
Savor the classic Jerusalem shakshuka, a hearty dish of eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce, often served with fresh bread.

Creative Vegan Gnocchi
Indulge in delicious and creative vegan gnocchi, a testament to the restaurant's thoughtful and inclusive culinary approach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Finding the Entrance
Finding the entrance can be tricky; look for the back courtyard around Yoel Moshe Solomon Street.
Book in Advance
Book your table in advance to ensure availability at this popular spot.
Winter Warmth
In winter, bring warm clothes as some seats may be cold.
Vegan Options
While vegan options are limited, they are reportedly tasty and well-made.
Tips
from all over the internet
Finding the Entrance
Finding the entrance can be tricky; look for the back courtyard around Yoel Moshe Solomon Street.
Book in Advance
Book your table in advance to ensure availability at this popular spot.
Winter Warmth
In winter, bring warm clothes as some seats may be cold.
Vegan Options
While vegan options are limited, they are reportedly tasty and well-made.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tmol Shilshom is celebrated for its unique literary bookstore ambiance and cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. While many praise the friendly service and creative dishes like vegan gnocchi and shakshuka, some reviews mention the food being average or having execution issues, alongside concerns about staff smoking in the dining area.
"A pearl in the heart of Jerusalem.
The menu befits a coffee place in Israel but also includes interesting twists and more sophisticated (alcoholic) drinks.
The crew is colourful, kind and joyful. The immaculate vibe of the place radiates through the waitresses' interactions with each other, their laughs and goofy gestures. While an easygoing atmosphere could sometimes translate into inattentive service, here was quite the opposite: they worked without delay and were very attentive. For example, they put a jar of cold water on each table straight away(!) - incredible how impressive this simple forthcoming gesture is in the wilderness and heat of the Israeli restaurant scene. The service remained excellent throughout our entire meal.
The food was tasty and well made. The food wasn't extraordinary, but the portions were fair, the ingredients were fresh and the breads & pasta were high quality.
We got two discounted mimosas with our pasta which were nice as well.
And of course, the whole place is a bookshop and a gallery. If all other reasons haven't sufficed - you should visit it solely for this one (especially if you read Hebrew!).
P.S. the music was excellent, I wish they'd send me their playlist"
Natan Flickstein
"I like this place! Atmosphere is nice, food is great, and nice people. As other people says, finding entrance is a bit tricky.
We luckily could take the seat near bookshelves, felt like I was in the bookstore or library. If you go in winter, some seats are cold so better to bring warm clothes.
The portions were quite big, same as American, we were just two so only could have 3 dishes. Israeli cheese were our favorite, it didn’t have so strong taste and smell but good to try.
English menu available, credit card accepted."
Yukiko Okazaki
"A quiet, wonderful place to sit and enjoy any meal.
Service is outstanding.
The atmosphere combines well with the bookshelves, the decor, and the architecture of the old building.
The cappuccino is excellent, as well as the breakfast.
I would absolutely come back on my next visit to Jerusalem."
nir shapira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is designed like a cozy bookstore or library, offering a nostalgic and warm atmosphere with shelves full of books and vintage decor.
Yes, the entrance can be tricky. It's recommended to look for the back courtyard off Yoel Moshe Solomon Street or from the side of Jaffa Street.
While not extensive, Tmol Shilshom does offer some vegan options that are noted for being tasty.
It is highly recommended to book your table in advance, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant is very popular.
The Jerusalem Shakshuka is a must-try, along with creative dishes like vegan gnocchi and classic cheesecakes.
Yes, but it's advisable to bring warm clothing as some seating areas can get cold during winter.
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The Best Boutique Cafs In Jerusalem
Tmol Shilshom is a cozy bookstore-café restaurant whose name is a Hebrew expression meaning ‘those were the days.’ This perfectly captures the essence of this café, which evokes feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and warmth upon entering. You’ll feel warm when you leave, too, particularly when you’ve indulged in some tea and cheesecake, or a full dinner. Tmol Shilshom is a very well-known café in Jerusalem that has gained much of its renown for hosting readings by famous Israeli writers such as Amos Oz and Yehuda Amichai.
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The name—a Hebrew literary phrase that translates roughly as "yesteryear"—is a clue to the character of the place. A tiny passageway leads to a rear courtyard and an iron stairway, which takes you up to this funky restaurant and bookstore in two separate rooms on the top floor of a 19th-century house. Hosting Hebrew (and occasionally English) poetry readings, lectures, small art exhibitions and modest book parties, T'mol Shilshom has long been a popular spot for folks who enjoy lingering over a novel.
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I’ve got my favourite falafel shops, such as Abu Shukri and the Yemenite Falafel Center, plus stops for Middle Eastern favourites: shakshuka at T’mol Shilshom and kunafeh (a warm, syrupy cheese-based pastry) at Jaafar Sweets. But scratch Jerusalem’s surface, and there’s a way more diverse food scene: Ethiopian food at Dire, Georgian and Russian food at Kangaroo and Kurdish pastries at Ishtabach, which give a taste of the culinary complexities of this city and its people.
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A cozy cafe that doubles as a literary salon, this popular bookstore located in a 150-year old building is stuffed with books, vintage furnishings, and bohemian vibes. Tmol Shilshom is named after Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon's novel (translated as Those Were the Days).
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An old time dairy bookstore cafe in the city center, Tmol Shilshom is a popular, kosher culinary and cultural institution favored for its warm ambiance, delicious food, plethora of books and very friendly service. The cafe is well known for its tasty dishes, including their famous shakshuka, a favorite amongst tourists, the salmon fillet in fig sauce, The Lover Salad and the cheese cake. It is located in a 150-year-old building and hosts readings by Israel's best-known writers.
The People Have Spoken: Best of Brunch in Jerusalem
The other places that people mentioned as “best in brunch” include Cafe Itamar, Kalo, Shosh Cafe, and Tmol Shilshom. Cafe Itamar is located in a nursery (of the plant variety, not the child variety) in Moshav Ora, which is at the edge of Jerusalem near Ein Kerem. I’ve only been there once (will have to check it out again), but the food, though typical cafe fare, was decent, and sitting outside in a nursery on a nice summer day is divine.
Try the capital's fine dining on Jerusalem Day - Israel Culture
Tmol Shilshom, the city's renowned back alley restaurant with unique worldly dishes, will be offering a 50% discount on cold drinks and summer drinks including beers on Jerusalem Day.Harvey's Smokehouse, the new restaurant with Jerusalem's first wood smoker, is offering a new, special menu on the holiday, giving diners a free dessert, as well. The restaurant's meats are smoked for 12 to 18 hours in an American barbeque style.
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Hidden on the winding alleys off Jaffa Street, Tmol Shilshom is treasure well worth hunting for. The iconic Jerusalem café, a hotspot for hip young Israelis and twentysomething American Jews who visit while in Jerusalem on the birthright program, frequently features live music and poetry readings. Pick a seat among the eclectic collection of tables and chairs, surrounded by a beautiful collection of dusty books in Hebrew.
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A vegetarian restaurant, Tmol Shilshom is famous for its literary bent, with poetry readings and related lectures held several times a month. Even if there’s no particular event scheduled, there are plenty of books on the shelves to devour along with their famous Amanda salad, velvet carrot soup, salmon, and cheesecake, to name a few. You might even be lucky to catch a seat in one of their antique plush den chairs.
Best Coffee in Jerusalem 2025
For those wanting a truly immersive experience in one of the most charming cafes in Jerusalem, Tmol Shilshom is the place to go. With bookshelves lining the cozy cafe, you’ll enjoy your cup of coffee in a stone building right near Kikar Musica (Music Square). Adding to the quaint culture of the cafe, some nights Tmol Shilshom hosts music sessions with performances by neighborhood musicians and other artists.
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At the other end of the culinary and budgetary spectrum is the quaint Tmol Shilshom cafe and vegetarian restaurant just off Zion Square in downtown Jerusalem. Once you've found your way there through the old alleyways and up the stairs, you and your partner can snuggle into a couple of cozy armchairs in the living-room-like space, order a salad or huge sandwich and dessert to share and while away the day.
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Once you get in, you will feel like you have stepped into someone’s dining room – that’s how cozy it is. Named after the novel Tmol Shilshom by Nobel Prize Laureate Shmuel Yosef Agnon, this literary café regularly hosts Israeli authors, poets, musicians and artists in general. Food is local and always prepared to order, and there are lots of vegetarian, vegan and healthy food options.
Jerusalem's Top 5 Breakfast Nooks
While so many new breakfast joints have popped up in the past few years, you can’t forget about Tmol Shilshom. The cafe-bookstore is one of the most recognizable establishments in the city, and their shakshuka makes frequent appearances in all the Jerusalem travel guides. It’s also the ideal spot for vegans, as the kitchen is always happy to convert their dishes to vegan-friendly.
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I really love the amazing bookstore / café called Tmol Shilshom, which is just off Jaffa Street and provides great coffee and delicious food amidst a bohemian and youthful atmosphere The nearby Zion Square is also a great place to take it all, with regular fabulous buskers performing here and the new city also boasts a plethora of urban art to explore in its bustling streets.
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[caption id="attachment_8118" align="alignnone" width="601"] Photo: Courtesy of Tmol Shilshom[/caption]. One of Jerusalem’s favorite dining institutions, the cafe-bookstore Tmol Shilshom’s meatless menu is also a haven for vegetarians and vegans. Their shakshuka borders on legendary, and as an added bonus, they’ll happily make a vegan version without eggs if you ask for it.
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Tmol Shilshom (5 Yo’el Moshe Salomon St), located in the heart of Jerusalem’s historic district, is a unique and charming cafe that offers a delicious breakfast buffet. The buffet features a variety of fresh bread, pastries, salads, and cheeses. The highlight of the buffet is their famous shakshuka, a traditional Israeli breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and spices.
Vegan Jerusalem: my top 10 spots
One of my faves for vegan breakfast in Jerusalem, Tmol Shilshom is a beautifully decorated literary cafe. They have plenty of vegan options – just check they don’t have dairy – including an amazing shakshuka and a dessert thingy, I’m not sure what it was but it blew my mind just a little. It’s a lovely place to work or just hang out for a few hours and read.
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Closer to Ben Yehuda Street, in the alleys of Nachalat Shiva, Tmol Shilshom offers its dairy offerings on a small stone porch, in keeping with the restaurant's charming old-school design. And at the bottom of Rivlin St., Gourmet's front patio allows classic French fare to be enjoyed in classic Champs Elysees street-side style.
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Next on Best Chef Restaurants in Jerusalem is Tmol Shilshom cafe in Jerusalem is a great place to have brunch and a cup of coffee. They have both the indoor and outdoor seating options and a huge variety of different dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. You can try both regular and vegan shakshuka to compare.
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Tmol Shilshom is a delicious cafe and study hub tucked away on Jerusalem’s colorful umbrella street in the heart of the downtown area. The inside walls are old Jerusalem stone, and lined with books — old and new — and the vibe is super cozy. Tmol Shilshom is perfect for any weather but especially perfect on a rainy day.
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The half old-fashioned, half hippie decor give this central coffee shop a cosy, intimate vibe, and make it the perfect relaxing spot after hours of sightseeing. They serve breakfast, lunch and snacks, and are also well-loved among locals. Food is tasty - try their shakshuka, a delicious poached egg dish.
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A Jerusalem institution, thick with atmosphere, this is one of the best vegetarian choices in town. It’s also an unofficial social club, a place where people come during off-hours to sit and talk over coffee or a glass of wine. Many stay through dinner so they can order steaming…
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One of Jerusalem’s favorite dining institutions, the cafe-bookstore Tmol Shilshom’s meatless menu is also a haven for vegetarians and vegans. Their shakshuka borders on legendary, and as an added bonus, they’ll happily make a vegan version without eggs if you ask for it.
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Tmol Shilshom is a cozy cafe in the city center that offers a romantic atmosphere, with its dim lighting and book-lined walls. The restaurant’s name translates to “only yesterday” in English, and it is a popular spot for couples looking for a quiet, intimate evening.
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This is one of the most beautiful cafés you will have the pleasure of visiting and luckily it has fine dining to back up its wonderful atmosphere. Culinary Type - Mediterranean, Middle Eastern; Kosher. Address - Yo'el Moshe Salomon St 5, Jerusalem, Israel
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From Shakshuka at Tmol Shilshom in Jerusalem, to Tamara frozen yogurt and late night eats at Benedict, authentic Druze village cuisine in Haifa, or a mediterranean feast at The Old Man and The Sea in Yaffo, you will not go hungry.
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It is a bit tucked away from the main street at a quiet spot and is a bit confusing to locate. However, once you get there, the efforts are worthwhile. It serves fresh bread, pizzas, salads, and more in an old-world building.
Vietnamese restaurants in Jerusalem - Vietnamese restaurant ※2023 TOP 10※ near me
Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more. Address: בחצר קומה שנייה, Yo'el Moshe Salomon St 5, Jerusalem, Israel. Schedule: Open until 11:00 pm
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Right next to Nahalat Shiva you will find the “Jerusalem-style” Tmol Shilshom. For those who want something different, there is also a good restaurant in the German Colony.
What to do at the weekend in Jerusalem
Start with a classic bursting-at-the-seams Israeli breakfast at the café-bookstore Tmol Shilshom (off Yoel Solomon Street) or at just about any hotel, restaurant or café.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit